Canoe Holiday in Sweden with Kids
Our Adventure + Practical Tips
A canoe holiday in Sweden with kids might not be the first thing that comes to mind… but trust me: this is one of the most special trips you can take as a family. No hotels, no busy schedule, no constant stimulation — just nature, water, peace, and quality time together.
We went on a canoe holiday in Sweden with our kids through Moose Adventures, and what started off as a little bit exciting quickly turned into an experience we will never forget. In this blog, I’ll take you along on how such a trip works, what our days looked like, and I’ll share all the practical tips if you want to do this yourself.
How Does a Canoe Holiday in Sweden Work?
A canoe holiday might sound a bit “back to basics,” but it’s surprisingly well organized. We booked our trip through Moose Adventures, and they really take care of everything. From equipment to route advice and even groceries — all you have to do is enjoy (and do a bit of paddling 😉).
You can easily book through their website and fully tailor the trip to your family. Want to move on to a new spot every day? You can. Prefer to take it slow and stay in one place longer? That works too. That’s the beauty of it: you set your own pace.
How Do You Get to Sweden for a Canoe Holiday?
There are several ways to get there, depending on what suits your family best. We chose the fastest option: we flew to Oslo, took the train to the bus station, and then caught a bus to Årjäng. From there, we were picked up by Moose Adventures. Super smooth and ideal when traveling with kids.
Would you prefer to travel by car? That gives you much more flexibility and allows you to bring all your own belongings. You can also take a ferry to Scandinavia, which immediately adds a bit of adventure to the journey.
What Should You Bring on a Canoe Holiday with Kids?
This is an important part — because you’re literally taking your entire life with you in your canoe for a week. Since we flew, we rented all our camping gear on site. And honestly: it was perfectly arranged. Among other things, we had:
- Tent
- Stretchers + sleeping mats
- Sleeping bags + inflatable pillows
- Tableware and cooking equipment
- Camping stoves
- Food for several days (arranged by them!)
As for clothing, keep it simple: think practical. Sporty clothes that can get wet and dry quickly, but also warm layers like a fleece. Gloves for canoeing are definitely not a luxury. And a tip you’ll only truly understand once you’re there: don’t bring too much. You have to carry (and haul) everything yourself.
What Does a Day Look Like on a Canoe Holiday?
You wake up in a place where no one else is around. Just the sound of water and birds. You make breakfast — for us, it was often pancakes with fresh blueberries we picked along the way. Then you do the dishes… simply in the lake. Sometimes we stayed in the same spot, but often we packed up camp. Everything back into the canoe, leave the place tidy, and paddle on.
Along the way, you stop wherever you like. Take a swim, have lunch on a rock, play by the water’s edge. And at the end of the day, you look for a new place to sleep. Set up your tent, cook, roast marshmallows, brush your teeth by the water, and then crawl into your tent. And that’s it. No planning, no rush. Just living.
What Should You Know Before You Go?
This isn’t your typical holiday — and that’s exactly what makes it so special. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Your kids need to be able to swim. That’s really a must. Canoeing can also be quite intense. We had one adult and one child per canoe (with the kids often not paddling ;-)), and trust me: it can be hard work at times. Wind, currents, waves… you’ll feel it.
There is phone signal (yes, really), so you’re not completely cut off from the world. That does give some peace of mind. Wild camping is allowed in Sweden, which means you can pitch your tent pretty much anywhere. There are also official spots with shelters and sometimes a toilet or fire pit — handy if you want a bit more comfort.
Our Experience: Why You’ll Want to Do This
Let me be honest: the first day took some getting used to. We had never camped with the kids before (only with a campervan, but that’s a whole different level). Setting everything up yourself, cooking, sleeping in nature… it felt a bit unfamiliar at first. But that changed so quickly. We completely relaxed. No distractions, no crowds. We slept better than ever. The kids played endlessly in nature. And us? We finally had time. Real time. It was sometimes exciting, sometimes a little uncomfortable, but above all: incredibly special.
Our Way of Traveling (and Why You Might Want This Too)
Officially, you’re given a route, but we mostly let that go. We quickly noticed that canoeing can be quite challenging, and after 1–2 hours, the kids had often had enough. So we did things differently. We stayed in one place more often, explored the area, went swimming, fishing, and played by the water’s edge. Life itself became the activity. Setting up camp, cooking, collecting firewood — it naturally fills your days. And that might be the biggest lesson: you don’t have to do anything here. Doing less = experiencing more.
Practical Tips for a Canoe Holiday in Sweden with Kids
- You can simply get drinking water from the lake (using the filters provided)
- Pack as light as possible
- Don’t plan too much distance per day
- Let your kids help decide when to stop and where to go
- Bring games for the evenings
- Make sure you have good sun protection (you’ll spend a lot of time on the water!)
Booking via Moose Adventures
We did this trip through Moose Adventures, and I would truly recommend it. Everything is flexible, well organized, and you get just the right amount of guidance without losing your sense of freedom. They help you with equipment, route planning, transport, food, and practical tips. And that makes an adventure like this much more accessible — even with kids.
In Conclusion
A canoe holiday in Sweden with kids is not your typical vacation. It’s not about luxury, convenience, or ticking off highlights. But it is about peace, connection, and adventure. And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it so special.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
